Location
Fiji is around six hours' flying time south-west of Hawaii or four hours north-east of Sydney , Australia or just over three hours from Auckland , New Zealand . It is a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean . The islands are ringing with coral reefs and many are marine reserves where the water is crystal clear, warm and full of astonishing colour, in the fish and the corals. A poor swimmer like myself, can float merely meters from the shore and enjoy the delights of snorkeling, seeing numerous fish.
Fiji hosts the young and adventurous and the more mature like me. For people who would rather not get their feet wet, the joys of tropical fish can be seen in glass bottom boats and sometimes a boatman will entertain a group by diving from the boat to feed fish right underneath the glass.
The main islands have high volcanic peaks but many of the smaller islands are almost flat atolls where a guest can walk around the entire island in ten minutes. This does not equate to boredom as the Fijians have always some activity or sight to share.
People
The people of Fiji are some of the most hospitable people on earth and they take a delight in hosting people from all around the world. They have been ‘doing tourism' for decades and besides being professional, they are gifted at making a guest feel at ease.
There's something about Fiji that I haven't found anywhere else. It is a natural warmth of not only the tropical location, but of the people. The indigenous people are Melanesian and take a pride in their beautiful country. The other major group of people is the Indian people who were brought into Fiji by British colonialists. These people came to work in the cane fields and today still have the traditions and knowledge to work the land.
I have stayed with both Fijians and Fijian Indian people and found all that I met and got to know, to be very aware of world events, despite living on a tiny island in the Pacific Ocean . I have never been able to get over the hospitality of the people of Fiji , whether it has been in the kind welcome of a Fijian, or a special curry having been made for me for breakfast!
Many of the people live at a basic level but no one starves. The islands are lush with fruits and vegetables and sea has a plentiful bounty. Tourism is an important earner, and the people of Fiji understand the importance of making a person's visit to Fiji memorable.
Best Places To Holiday
Fiji offers hotel style, and many well known brands are here such as the Sheraton. There are luxury resorts to please even the most discerning, some on tiny islands and some on the mainland. Everyone is catered for, through to the back packer.
The best places in Fiji are the resort islands. Some are very affordable and are a short boat trip from the township of Nadi (pronounced, Nandi). Islands such as Castaway, Treasure Island , Tokoriki all have relaxed but well appointed accommodation. Some such as Plantation Island specialise in catering for families. This is a true holiday for mum and dad as they will barely see their children who will forget moaning about ‘what can we do?' for once.
The Yasawa group of islands is a little further from Nadi but is the location of some of the most beautiful islands. Resorts here can be pricey and exclusive and well worth the money. Another way to enjoy this group is to take a Blue Logoon Cruise and see them all.
On the mainland, a road follows the coast to the main city of Suva . This road is known as the Coral Coast . Along this stretch of road there are numerous resorts from budget to luxury. Dining on the Coral Coast on a night light by the fire of a tropical sunset in a top restaurant is to be charmed.
Some sit out on a causeway and the waves lap under the floor-boards, others take advantage of the seascape with long floor to ceiling windows. Whether they are in a marbled, modern style, or are rustic and quaint, they will serve some of the best seafood you have ever tasted. Try Kokoda (pronounced kokonda), raw fish marinated in coconut cream and lemon. Divine.
Beyond The Main Island
Beyond Viti Levu there are a number of other islands, such as Vanua Levu where Cousteau's resort can be found and the exquisite, Namale Resort. These destinations are far from the rat race and are rarely visited by the average holiday makers. These islands step a traveler back in time and make Viti Levu 's townships and city look positively sophisticated and hurried.
Dotted around Fiji 's larger islands are small resort islands, each having unique qualities. For anyone wanting something out of the ordinary or especially luxurious, there is Vatulele, attractive to many high profile people who know that here they can get away from it all, relax informally and experience paradise.
My Pick
Fiji is my pick of the Pacific islands for a holiday. It can content any holiday maker with any sized pocket. I have stayed at backpacker's resorts that have delighted me, and at some of the best hotels and resorts. Having visited Fiji nine times, along with many other islands in the Pacific, I still contend that this is the place to draw me back.
Long after you have left, you will hear the songs of Fiji returning to your heart, and will be scheming to return. In the moment that you step out into the warm, moist air of the island, you will be enveloped in an inner warmth that is hard to forget. The scent of frangipani in the air, the friendly call of ‘bula'!, meaning ‘hello', the sweet fruit for breakfast, it is unsurpassed as a destination.
If you want a real holiday and I mean, a real holiday FIJI!
